Assessing the potential to transform our 'Just A Minute' of bone specific activity finding into a population level intervention to help preserve bone

Lead Research Organisation: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Public Health and Sport Sciences

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that affects 50% of women and 20% of men over the age of 50 and increases their chances of experiencing painful, life-changing fractures particularly of the spine and hip. The high costs associated with osteoporosis are also expected to double in the next 50 years. Helping the population build stronger bones to help preserve bone health and prevent or delay the progression of osteoporosis will significantly help reduce the burden and cost of this disease on society. Helping people at a stage of life most at risk of osteoporosis preserve their bone strength, is key for helping individuals stay fracture-free for as long as possible. We have recently found that on average, accumulating 'Just A Minute' of moderate-impact activity per day is associated with better bone health in both young and mature (postmenopausal) women. Moderate-impact activity is more accessible to incorporate into activities of daily living compared to high-impact activities (e.g., high jumps). Our research is referenced in exercise guidance published by the Royal Osteoporosis Society which aims to help practitioners recommend bone-promoting activity to all including those living with osteoporosis. But rather than relying on guidelines to implement interventions to preserve bone strength in this at-risk population group, we want to work directly with mature adult user groups, the Royal Osteoporosis Society and relevant health industry partners to co-create accessible tools that can reach and deliver tailored bone-specific activity interventions inspired by 'Just A Minute' at scale.

Publications

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